Church History Matters

Holiday greetings kick off the discussion as Scott and Casey celebrate completing their year of studying the Doctrine and Covenants. They emphasize the importance of community scripture study and reflect on collaborative learning. Exciting plans for 2026 are revealed, including a deep-dive series format returning to tackle complex historical topics. The hosts announce a new series on science and religion, and encourage listeners to suggest future topics. They wrap up with well-wishes and a meaningful Christmas quote.

Scott and Casey delve into the significance of the Family Proclamation, exploring its historical context amid the 1990s cultural shifts. They discuss its origins tied to events like the UN Cairo conference and the Hawaii same-sex marriage litigation. A line-by-line breakdown reveals its teachings on divine marriage, gender roles, and the sanctity of life. The hosts tackle controversies around the proclamation's authorship and its canonical status while celebrating its impact on families today. They conclude with personal reflections on the blessings of family.

Explore the origins of the Articles of Faith, highlighting Joseph Smith's collaboration with early church leaders. Delve into the contention surrounding their role as a creed versus a missionary tool. Unpack key concepts like the Latter-day Saint view of the Fall and cooperative salvation. Discuss the significance of modern ecclesiastical offices, spiritual gifts, and the ongoing revelation. The conversation also touches on civic duties, religious freedom, and the legacy of these articles as foundational teachings for the faith.

Dive into the complex history surrounding Official Declaration 2 and its impact on race within the church. The hosts recall personal memories from 1978 and explore the early church's inclusion of Black members. They discuss Brigham Young's changing views on race, fears of interracial marriage, and the 1852 public ban announcement. The conversation touches on prophetic fallibility, the church's disavowal of past theories, and the implications of the 1978 revelation. It wraps up with a call to combat prejudice and promote inclusion among all members.

Scott and Casey dive deep into Official Declaration 1, tracing the history of plural marriage from its roots to the 1890 Manifesto that officially ended the practice. They explore legal pressures, Supreme Court decisions, and the role of women in advocating for change. The discussion highlights the complexities of church leadership decisions, the tension between revelations, and the impact on members. Listeners also learn how modern church policies reflect a commitment to monogamy, while addressing historical controversies with nuance.

Dive into the fascinating insights of Doctrine & Covenants 138, where the impact of temple work for the dead takes center stage. The discussion highlights Joseph F. Smith's profound vision amidst the turmoil of 1918's war and pandemic. Personal tragedies shape this spiritual revelation, touching on Christ's ministry to the righteous in the spirit world. Explore the divine 'dream team' of prophets teaching the dead and unravel the mysteries of postmortem missionary work. The conversation also tackles the relationship between premortal and postmortal spirits, offering hope for all.

Discover the powerful vision revealed in Doctrine & Covenants 137, where hope for the unbaptized and the celestial kingdom is explored. Scott and Casey dive into the historical context of the Kirtland endowment and how it influenced spiritual manifestations. They discuss the personal impact of child mortality and Joseph Smith's role in developing temple practices. Uncover the significance of the canonization timeline and the assurance it brings for loved ones. The dialogue promises insights into the temple's theological implications and comforting revelations.

Dive into the tumultuous aftermath of Joseph Smith's martyrdom as the Saints faced dire conditions at Winter Quarters. Explore how leadership emerged with Brigham Young during the complex Latter-day Exodus. The conversation touches on daily life, mortality, and spiritual practices that shaped this journey. Discover the impact of Section 136, bridging historical struggles with the forging of a new identity. Unpack the controversies surrounding succession and the nature of prophetic revelation following Joseph's death.

Dive into the gripping account of Joseph and Hyrum Smith's martyrdom. Discover the controversies surrounding D&C 135 and its role as a declaration of their deaths. Explore the political tensions leading to their tragic fate, including the legal nuances of the Nauvoo Expositor's destruction. Hear vivid eyewitness accounts from John Taylor and Willard Richards detailing the chaos of the attack. Unpack the implications of their sacrifice and the unique legacy they left behind as dual witnesses in Latter-day Saint history.

Explore the fascinating intersection of religion and government through Doctrine & Covenants 134. Discover how this 1835 declaration outlines the purpose of government and the responsibilities of citizens. The discussion delves into the protection of religious liberty and the limits of civil law, along with historical context surrounding the church's stance on these issues. Light is shed on the controversies of authorship and the implications of civic engagement today, providing a thoughtful perspective on faith in the public sphere.